r/coloradotrail

I’m hiking the Colorado trail last week of July into August. Will I need a puffy or can I get by with shirt + fleece + rain jacket?

thanks!

I saw a few posts with itineraries and, coming up on my 30th anniversary, got nostalgic. Here's my original plan. I ended up starting July 8 and finishing August 17th - 40 days total. My friend, who'd done the AT in 1994 and CT in 1995, told me to make sure I stopped when I felt like and stay a day or two in a nice spot. I didn't do that - kinda wish I had. I had to be back in Philly by a certain date (see "nervous breakdown" on the plan). That didn't happen, either (the breakdown). I did make it to Philly.

I had a big pack - 60lbs. Did most of the trail in Tevas because my feet fell apart with blisters (I'd done a few overnights previously - nothing long) and carried my boots. Couldn't bring myself to give them up (another 3lbs). I saw other thru hikers maybe twice. Some going North. By the end I felt like a machine and did some big days.

I left my water filter at a stream once and (trail magic) a woman on horseback saw it and tracked me down. I got a lunch from a mountain bike touring company towards the end - they had driven a van to a trailhead and had a whole spread. Mostly it was an astounding, quiet walk that helped me internalize the geography of the earth, the whittling of the land by water, and the value in moving slowly across the landscape. When I did see the odd day hiker I was struck by the smell of their shampoo. I didn't take a camera, choosing to preserve the experience in memory and save the weight.

The experience has stuck with me - a dramatic pivot point in my life memorialized in a way I could not reproduce now. Good luck to this year's travelers!

1996 Thru Hike Plan

Hey guys! I'm gonna go clockwise from twin lakes starting july 2ndish. im from oregon and used to Cascade and Sierra snow patterns but just curious what ya'all think july might look like this year. should i bring my spikes and or axe or is it as dry out there as it is here?

more importantly
How the hell do i resupply after Monarch spur (mi 68ish i think)? monarch mountain lodge didnt answer my calls or return and email??? do i need to carry 90 miles food from monarch spur or hitch way into town? or am i missing a nearish to trail resupply point on the west side? thanks!

Trying to do 20-30 miles a day, 5-ish day food carry max, little to no hitchhiking (busses are fine), and take Collegiate West.

Based on the databook and this subreddit, this is what I'm scheming on and would appreciate any input...

• Breckenridge/Frisco, 104 miles from denver, free bus required
• Twin Lakes Village, 71.8 miles from Breck/Frisco
• Garfield, 76.5 miles from Twin Lakes, The Butterfly House Hostel with maildrop
• Monarch Crest Gift Shop, 11 miles from garfield, only listing because its 0 miles from trail. Looks easy to grab some snacks for a days worth of food
• Silverton, 159.8 miles from Garfield, hitching required?

I’m planning a Collegiate Loop clockwise hike, starting at Avalanche Trailhead, and I plan to resupply and overnight at Twin Lakes Village towards the end of my loop.

I’m not wild about hiking the 8 (?) or so miles around the east and north of Twin Lakes to get to the store and lodge, only to retrace my steps the next day to get on the CL East.

Is that what hikers do? Or hop off at Willis Gulch TH and road hike / hitch to TL Village and blow off the last few miles of CL West? Or……???

Any recommendations on resources to use to plan a solo collegiate loop trip this summer? Would especially be interesting in anything regarding adding on near 14ers as well. Thanks!

I think i budgeted way too much time. Im gonna add in mt elbert and or massive. but i still think i have 1-2 too many days. plane tickets already purchased and no offense but i do not want to spend my extra time in denver.
give me your best rec on a zero day both east and west side. could be but doesn't have to be town or a resort. ill pack extra food and zero at a lake if you convince me its a good idea.
also i cant find any info on it but does mt princeton hot springs have camping or is it only rooms? id 100% just zero there but i dont wanna pay for a legit room.

thanks guys!

CT 7 day food carry. Rangers in AZ say jar but see threads of hikers and no one talks about the jar.

Experienced thru-hiker, but first-time to CT. The CDT version actually covers the entire CDT in Colorado and costs significantly less. But perhaps the CT will have more users, and thus more up-to-date info? I'm especially wondering about drinking water availability during my northbound hike (mid-June to early July). I haven't purchased either yet. Any insight appreciated!

Hello everyone,
I’m planning a SOBO thru-hike starting around June 20 and currently have these resupply stops planned:

Breckenridge
Twin Lakes
Salida
Lake City
Silverton

I may also take a zero in Leadville.

For those who’ve done the CT before, which of these towns are best for grocery shopping/resupplying in person, and which ones are worth mailing boxes to instead?

I’m trying to figure out the best balance between buying food along the way vs shipping ahead.

Have about 2 weeks of time alone early August in Co and looking for a big project. Will already be acclimatized after a week of hitting a bunch of 14ers with buddies. Is the collegiate loop worth my full attention or Should I just do the west and then hit something else?

Hi folks, I've booked a place in south Lakewood near Marston for a few days for aclimatising along with the idea of using public transport to get to places I can walk from for exercise etc. Or would there a better area to stay for a few days whilst aclimatising before the get go?

thanks